Best areas for commuting to Santa Monica
Culver City, Sherman Oaks and Inglewood lead — about 17, 33 and 35 minutes at 8 AM by their fastest mode. All 10 areas, ranked with real rush-hour data:
| # | Area | Drive 8 AM | Transit 8 AM | Fastest | Time value/yr at $30/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Culver City | 17 min | 51 min | Driving | ≈ $4,260 |
| 2 | Sherman Oaks | 33 min | 1h 33m | Driving | ≈ $8,250 |
| 3 | Inglewood | 35 min | 1h 21m | Driving | ≈ $8,760 |
| 4 | Torrance | 58 min | 2h 19m | Driving | ≈ $14,490 |
| 5 | Burbank | 1h | 2h 12m | Driving | ≈ $15,000 |
| 6 | Glendale | 1h 2m | 1h 58m | Driving | ≈ $15,510 |
| 7 | Pasadena | 1h 9m | 1h 47m | Driving | ≈ $17,250 |
| 8 | Long Beach | 1h 14m | 2h 5m | Driving | ≈ $18,510 |
| 9 | Santa Clarita | 1h 17m | 3h 14m | Driving | ≈ $19,260 |
| 10 | Anaheim | 1h 32m | 2h 40m | Driving | ≈ $23,010 |
Weekday morning peak (Tuesday 8 AM departure), Google Maps traffic data, checked August 2026. Time value = round trip × 5 days × 50 weeks at $30/hr. Click an area for the full corridor breakdown.
Working in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica caps the Westside's Silicon Beach strip — tech and media offices from the pier up through Colorado Avenue. The E Line ends steps from downtown Santa Monica; everyone else negotiates the 10 or PCH.
Not sure where your limit is? Our guide to how far is too far to commute prices each commute length in hours and dollars. Weighing cheaper housing farther down the list? The rent vs. commute calculator puts both in the same currency, and the commute cost calculator adds gas, parking and fares.
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